“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone” – Katie Thurmes
And when we long to visit a place next time, it’s like using that ticket to relive the moments garnered there.
Tourism in Himachal is one such experience. As Himachal Pradesh is among the states in India that are growing rapidly, so is its tourism. Its varied climate changes with altitude and fetches frequent footfalls of tourists. Famous for its topographic diversity and pristine natural beauty, the state is fondly called the Land of Gods.
The tourism sector of the state contributes 7% to the state GDP. According to government data, there was a sharp (-81.33%) contraction in the arrival of tourists across the State in 2020 as compared to the previous year. The tourist arrival however picked up after the initial lockdown, as it reached 75.43% in 2021.
In this light, let’s have a look at what the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh has in store. Let’s begin with Himachal travel trends. It will help us gain a better insight into the thriving scenario of travel and tourism in this Land of Gods.
Himachal Travel Trends
With more and more people getting vaccinated, and experts denying the possibility of a third wave anytime soon, the state has begun to welcome its vacationers. People are also looking forward to indulging in the beauteous locales of Himachal Pradesh, promising growth in tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
- Nature is Calling
People have spent a lot of time indoors since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Now with booster shots, they want to step out to new places or revisit favourite spots. They are looking forward to better travel days in 2022. It is expected that holidaymakers will demand more natural destinations, inducing a spike in visits to Himachal hills. This will grow leaps and bounds as people are craving outdoors.
- Unexplored and Hidden Destinations
According to travel experts, another major shift in the travel patterns is expected to be observed with people growing fond to explore new places in 2022. These places include the unexplored and hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh that will boost Himachal tourism. Some of the spots that are unheard of are Malana, Chitkul, Pabbar Valley, Thanedar, Shoja, Barot, and Gushaini.
- Taste of Thrill
Himachal Pradesh offers myriad activities for adventure enthusiasts, thanks to its topographic diversity and varied Himalayan heights. river rafting, river crossing, trekking, hiking, paragliding, horse riding, camping, skiing, snowboarding, and zorbing are to name a few that treat vacationers with the adrenaline rush. Rohtang Pass and Koksar are among the snow points that thousands of tourists enjoy in the snow.
Read our other trending tour- Leh Ladakh bike trip
Travel Opportunities in Himachal
With the temperature soaring high, people from the plains and by the sea-side are looking for a cool respite. Several places in Himachal are drawing vacationers to delight in its cool environs to get a breather from the scorching heat. And many other destinations here still have snow clung to their mountain peaks, before taking leave till the next winter. So, let’s have a look at the travel opportunities in Himachal 2022.
- Attractions Abuzz Again
COVID cases are decreasing across the country, which is a thankful situation for people as well as tourism. This has resulted in tourists teeming in the myriad attractions of Himachal Pradesh. Some of the attractions are Rohtang Pass, Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Chamba, and Dharamshala. Travellers from different states are flocking to Himachal to relax in its charm. A major increase in the influx of tourists is expected before the monsoon. However, many travellers don’t hesitate in visiting there during the monsoon.
Thereafter, the winter months will have a huge flood of tourists because of snowfall, snow-covered expanses, and winter sports. The tourist rush will manifold till mid-December and the state’s destinations will be packed from mid-December to early January during Christmas and New Year.
- Hotels and Homestays
With hotels upgrading themselves and homestays coming up for enhanced accommodation experience, more people are visiting Himachal. Advance booking is on the rise with several hotels having over 50% occupancy. With the return of tourists to Rohtang, Atal tunnel, Koksar, Solang valley, Manikaran, Kasol, Jibhi and other tourist destinations; hotels are increasing in occupancy and bookings.
The growth rate of hotels and restaurants was (-) 78.7% in 2020-21. It has increased to 56.5% in 2021-22.
- Taxi
After quite a long time, taxi/cab services are receiving profitable business. It is estimated that 800+ taxis are reaching snow points like Rohtang Pass. Now, all the permits are being booked in advance with vehicles seeking permits to go to higher destinations for tourism on daily basis.
Tourism Challenges in Himachal
When it comes to tourism, it is not a cakewalk, even in the light of promising and positive aspects that are influencing the tourism of Himachal. The travel in the state is experiencing certain challenges that include –
- Landslides And Flashfloods
Landslides and floods in some parts of the state discourage tourists. As these natural calamities block highways, people feel unsafe visiting the hills during monsoons. Many postpone their trips and several even cancel. Less than a handful of tourists head to the hills despite these tourism challenges in Himachal. Hotels mostly have less than 5% occupancy or are empty.
With negative stories spreading swiftly, landslides and flashfloods news in Himachal, both true and fake take rounds in the country.
Fake Accommodation
Several secret and fake hotels and homestays have mushroomed in Himachal. These accommodation options have made it big in a pandemic, whereas, the genuine hotels and homestays of Himachal struggle for survival. It is claimed that 1 out of 5 homestays and guesthouses here, especially in Kullu-Manali, are being run by strangers from other states. It is investigated that such accommodations are not registered with the tourism department, neither they pay taxes. However, they have captured some villages and hosted hordes of tourists illegally.
MK Seth, president of the Tourism Industry Stakeholders Association said, “The summer season is crucial for us to improve the financial health as Covid had spoiled two years. They hoped that the government would make all arrangements before the season commences.”
It feels great to sideline 2020 and 2021 while staying inspired for 2022 and greet growing tourism in Himachal. With travel becoming a highly-anticipated goal this year, we can knit hope and anticipation in potential tourism opportunities in Himachal.
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